Physician, Thoracic Surgery

Job Summary/Overall Objectives

The Physician, Thoracic Surgery, examines, diagnoses, and treat patients with lung, thoracic and esophageal disorders, or diagnoses in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Procedures include, but are not limited to   navigational bronchoscopy, EBUS, robotic and open lung and esophageal procedures. The physician is an active participant in the lung cancer screening program and management program. Physicians collaborate with other medical professionals including, but not limited to: Nurse Practitioners, Physician’s Assistants, Registered Nurses, Clinical Assistants, Medical Assistants, Clerical, and administrative staff. The physician is responsible for developing the plan of care for both in and outpatients on service, admitting patients, completing consultations, facilitating discharges, and participating in transitions of care. Advanced Practice Providers (APP’s) support the Physician on both the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Essential Job Functions

• Exam, diagnosis and treat patients with both malignant and benign thoracic disease / disorders, including pulmonary, esophageal, mediastinal and chest wall disease.


• Procedures include, but are not limited to navigational bronchoscopy, EBUS, robotic and open lung and esophageal procedures.


• Supervises and collaborates with Advanced Practice Providers (APP) on service for initial and follow-up care needs of the patient.


• Participates in the management of patients screened and evaluated through the Advanced Lung Center (LDCT program)


• Collaborate with medical specialists to care for hospitalized and outpatients.


• Refers patients to medical specialists, social services, or other professionals as appropriate.


• Performs surgical procedures (both robotic and open), navigational bronchoscopies, and other procedures within their scope to manage patients on their service adhering to regulator, ethical and procedural standards, and infection control practices.


• Admit patients and complete consultations on hospitalized patients.


• Completes discharge summaries for pts. on service and/or actively participate in discharge planning.


• Communicates with patients' primary care physicians upon hospital discharge to maintain continuity and quality of care.


• Prescribes medications or treatment regimens as appropriate, including ordering of durable medical equipment.


• Orders and interprets the results of tests such as laboratory tests and radiography (x-rays), and advanced imaging.


• Performs standard office duties.


• Participate in Independence Medical Group meetings, Leadership meetings, and Physician committees upon request.


• Actively participants in the Department of Thoracic Surgery and other case conferences / treatment planning meetings relates to patients served.


• Participate in quality improvement activities within the department.


• Participate in Independence Health Medical Group meetings, Leadership meetings, and Physician committees upon request.


• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)


• Board certified or eligible in Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery,

American Board of Surgery or American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCM).

• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.


• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Two (2) to Four (4) years’ experience in thoracic surgery.


• Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances (please add any additional requirements)

• Current medical license in the state of Pennsylvania.


• Certification by the American Board of Pain Medicine, or board eligible.


• Current DEA Registration


• Act 33 with renewal


• Act 34 with renewal


• Act 73 FBI Clearance


• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) approved curriculum of the America Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).


• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Disclaimer 

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.